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  • Tinubu, Keyamo have restored international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector — IAMS

    Tinubu, Keyamo have restored international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector — IAMS

    The Independent Aviation Monitoring Stakeholders (IAMS) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, for what it described as the “remarkable restoration” of global confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    In a statement issued from the United Kingdom on Monday, Dr. Grace Jackson, coordinator of IAMS, praised the transformative efforts of the Tinubu administration, particularly through Keyamo’s leadership, in repositioning Nigeria as a respected player in the global aviation community.

    “Today, Nigeria’s aviation sector stands on firmer ground internationally, thanks to the strategic reforms and bold engagements championed by President Tinubu and Festus Keyamo,” the statement read.

    “From the suspension of the controversial Nigeria Air project to the resolution of trapped foreign airlines’ funds, Nigeria has demonstrated to the world that it is serious about transparency, partnership, and sustainable aviation growth.”

    The group said Keyamo’s relentless diplomacy; a series of international engagements with major aviation players across Europe, the Middle East, and America, played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust, securing investment interests, and expanding Nigeria’s bilateral air service agreements.

    “In the past few months, Keyamo has travelled extensively, meeting with airline operators, aircraft manufacturers, and aviation regulators in Europe, the Middle East, and North America,” IAMS stated.

    “Through these engagements, he showcased Nigeria’s new commitment to safety, efficiency, and mutual respect in air travel partnerships. This high-level diplomacy, combined with President Tinubu’s foreign policy drive, has directly enhanced Nigeria’s international aviation standing.”

    Highlighting specific achievements, the group pointed to the clearing of over $800 million trapped airline funds, which had caused considerable tension with global carriers before Tinubu assumed office.

    “For years, Nigeria struggled with the issue of trapped funds, prompting airlines to cut capacity or threaten withdrawal. Today, that nightmare is over,” the statement added.

    “Keyamo’s negotiations with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and major airlines have seen most of the backlog cleared, with a firm commitment that no such accumulation will be allowed again.”

    IAMS further noted that Nigeria’s improved compliance with international treaties, particularly the Cape Town Convention, under Keyamo’s stewardship, has significantly boosted the country’s aviation business environment.

    Read Also: Keyamo to seek Tinubu’s approval over demands of union

    “Before now, Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance index stood at a poor 49.5%. Today, under Keyamo’s leadership, it has climbed to 75.5%,” the group said.

    “This has made Nigeria more attractive for aircraft leasing companies and has reduced insurance premiums for Nigerian airlines. Such a leap in global aviation rankings did not happen by chance; it is the product of purposeful leadership.”

    The group also hailed the strategic partnership with Boeing signed in 2024, which includes technical cooperation, training, and the development of local aircraft maintenance facilities.

    “In one of the most visionary moves, Keyamo secured a partnership with Boeing, one of the world’s aviation giants,” IAMS stated.

    “This agreement is not just about aircraft purchases. It involves technology transfer, capacity building, and investment in local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, which will save Nigeria millions of dollars annually.”

    The stakeholders observed that Keyamo’s reforms have gone beyond boardrooms and documents, noting the symbolism of his tireless diplomacy and his personal engagement style abroad.

    “Many in the global aviation industry were struck by Keyamo’s approachable style; engaging industry leaders, even on occasions in casual settings that emphasised sincerity and trust,” the statement said.

    “This may appear minor, but in international relations, it builds personal credibility, which Nigeria has leveraged effectively to secure new partnerships.”

    Concluding, IAMS expressed optimism that the aviation sector will experience even greater achievements under Tinubu’s administration if the momentum is sustained.

    “For the first time in a long while, Nigeria’s aviation future looks truly promising,” the group said.

    “We commend President Tinubu for appointing capable hands like Keyamo and for providing him the political backing to deliver. We urge Nigerians to give their full support to this renaissance.”

    The Independent Aviation Monitoring Stakeholders (IAMS) is a UK-based advocacy group comprising aviation professionals, investors, and industry watchers dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the sector.

  • Keyamo to seek Tinubu’s approval over demands of union

    Keyamo to seek Tinubu’s approval over demands of union

    • NiMet workers suspend strike till May 13

    Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has met with the Union of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) over its members’ strike.

    The strike disrupted flights in most airports.  

    The unions embarked on the work boycott to demand better working conditions, including salary relativity with other aviation agencies, non-implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage (affecting at least 30 omitted staff),     25/35 per cent salary increase, 40 per cent hardship/peculiar allowances, annual staff training, among others.

    On salary relativity, Keyamo said he would write to the President to seek his approval for the implementation of the new salary.

    He also promised to begin immediate payment of minimum wage and to liaise with the   Finance Ministry and other relevant agencies to address their demands.

    The minister said: “We have looked at all the issues that led our comrades to down tools in our meteorological departments, and we discovered that there was not much disagreement on some of the key issues.

    ‘’Some were issues of implementation and maybe miscommunication between us and our brother comrades here.

    “On the issue of salary relativity with other agencies, we have since agreed on this. I was the one in our last stakeholders meeting in Lagos who agreed that the salaries of NiMet, in particular, were atrocious. It was not on par with other aviation agencies. And it was only natural that their patience would run very thin.’’

    He commended the  NiMet workers for their patience and resilience.

    Read Also: Keyamo wades in NiMET workers’ strike

    At the meeting, NiMet workers announce the suspension of the  strike till May 13.

    The Minister also disclosed that he has directed that immediate payment of subsistence allowance to all NiMet staff members across the country.

    On the alleged selective training of workers, Keyamo said the parties agreed that a committee would look into the complaints of preferential treatment of workers who are sent for training.

     National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Alale Adedayo, said: “As a mark of respect for the minister  and assurance, we have decided to temporarily call off the strike while the process of resolution is ongoing.”

  • Coalition hails Keyamo’s reforms for noosting staff morale, efficiency in aviation sector

    Coalition hails Keyamo’s reforms for noosting staff morale, efficiency in aviation sector

    The Coalition for Public Sector Reforms and Accountability (COPSRA) has commended Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for his sweeping reforms that have repositioned the Nigerian aviation sector.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Abubakar Garba, president of the coalition, described Keyamo’s approach to governance as “people-first and purpose-driven”, adding that his focus on staff welfare is already yielding tangible results in agency efficiency and service delivery.

    “Since assuming office, the Honourable Minister has redefined what leadership means in the public sector. He came in, studied the system, listened to the people, and went straight to work addressing the most ignored but critical part of the sector—its workforce,” he said. 

    The civic watchdog group confirmed that staff across agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and others are now experiencing what it described as “a breath of fresh air” due to significant improvements in welfare, training opportunities, and workplace dignity.

    “Keyamo’s leadership has led to renewed motivation among workers in the sector. Salaries are being paid promptly, allowances are no longer pending indefinitely, and the working environment is improving. These may seem basic, but they speak volumes owing to decades of neglect and poor leadership in this key sector,” Garba noted. 

    Read Also: Keyamo, Waive, Okotete, stakeholders receive Ogboru into APC

    He credited Keyamo’s legal background and long-standing advocacy for justice and accountability as pivotal to his reform style. 

    “His training as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is showing. The man understands systems, understands fairness, and he’s applying that legal precision to fix a critical sector of the economy,” Garba said. 

    COPSRA also praised the Ministry’s renewed commitment to capacity building, with several staff benefiting from refresher courses and international training programmes that had long been suspended. 

    The group maintained that union relations in the aviation sector have also improved, adding that even passengers are beginning to notice the improvement in service delivery. 

    “Aviation is a highly technical field. When you train people, you don’t just empower them—you protect the flying public,” Garba noted.

    “You can see a shift from combative interactions to collaborative ones. The Minister engages labour with respect, not disdain. That has calmed tensions and made room for progress.

    “We’ve had reports from frequent flyers who say airport processes are smoother, staff are more responsive, and terminals feel better managed. That’s the ripple effect of motivated personnel.”

    The coalition also lauded President Bola Tinubu for giving Keyamo the support to reform the Nigerian aviation sector.

    “What is happening in aviation is proof that with the right leadership, Nigeria’s public sector can work. Keyamo is showing that reform is not just about policies; it’s about people. We’re not surprised by the results and transformation in the aviation sector,” the coalition added.

  • Fed Govt’s policies will enhance airlines’ competitiveness, says Keyamo

    Fed Govt’s policies will enhance airlines’ competitiveness, says Keyamo

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo  has said the federal government is ready to advance the capacity and competitiveness of the nation’s national carriers via implementation of fly Nigeria Bill 2024.

    Keyamo said this yesterday at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series, organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

    According to him, Fly Nigeria Bill 2024 is meant to enhance capacity and competitiveness of Nigeria`s national carriers to promote national pride and improve service delivery in the aviation sector.

    “The Fly Nigeria Bill, a proposed legislation, aims to prioritise Nigerian flag carriers for all government-funded travel, whether domestic, regional, or international, ensuring that Nigerian airlines are used first.

    “The Bill’s primary goal is to boost the Nigerian aviation industry by ensuring that government-funded travel, including trips by officials, contractors, and grantees, utilises Nigerian airlines whenever possible.

    “The Fly Nigeria Bill mandates that all government-funded air travel must first consider Nigerian flag carriers before any foreign carriers, even for international routes.

    He explained that the initiative aimed to create a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector, allowing Nigerian airlines to compete globally toward economic growth via job creation, attract investment, and conserve foreign exchange.

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    According to him, the Fly Nigeria Bill is seen as a way to foster national pride and ensure that Nigerian airlines are recognised as leaders in the aviation industry.

    He added that the idea for the Bill had been in development for over 15 years, but was committed to fast-tracking its implementation.

    Keyamo emphasised that the Fly Nigeria Bill would be a crucial step in protecting Nigeria’s aviation market from external dominance to ensure local airlines have the opportunity to thrive.

    According to him, the Federal Government has planned to strengthen regulations for a safer aviation ecosystem by tackling illegal commercial operation by private jet owners.

    The minister acknowledged the receipt of the final report of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters.

    According to him, addressing illegal private airline operations aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of “doing the right thing” across all sectors of the national economy.

    “The issue of illegal charter operations involves private jets and aircrafts operating outside the law, especially those obtaining licenses under the PNCF for unlawful activities.

    “We are confident that we will have the freedom to take necessary actions. Our goal is a safer, more secure aviation ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.

    Keyamo acknowledged that many people had worked for years to create safer environments and regulatory standards for aviation.

    “We will not drop the ball. Our responsibility is to enhance regulatory standards and make aviation safer for everyone,” he said.

    The minister noted that illegal practices by private airlines had existed for years before he assumed office.

    “When I took office, I was told the problem was insurmountable and advised to ignore it, but I felt it had to be addressed.

    “They claimed it was difficult to regulate and that the culprits were ‘untouchable,’ but my experience in civil society and as an EFCC prosecutor taught me to confront such challenges.’’

    This situation, he added, led to the formation of the task force, which was established in June 2024 with experienced personnel.

    Keyamo said that the ministry would collaborate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to determine practical steps for implementing the MTF report.

  • Keyamo, Waive, Okotete, stakeholders receive Ogboru into APC

    Keyamo, Waive, Okotete, stakeholders receive Ogboru into APC

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Delta APC Chairman Francis Waive, Hon. Stella Okotete and other critical stakeholders of the party were among the leaders of the party that received Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru back to the APC in Delta State.

    Speaking at the ceremony held at the Ughelli Kingdom Hall on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Olorogun Keyamo described Ogboru as a real grassroots mobiliser with huge followers, noting that his return to the party is a significant step towards strengthening the party in the state.

    “Chief Great Ogboru is a mobilizer and the people general. When the People Democratic Party PDP was very strong in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru was able to win 12 Local Government Areas and 9 House of Assemblies seats. That tells you who he is and the experience he has in politics,” he said.

    Keyamo, who was so excited, noted that the College of leaders of the party in the state are working seriously to reconcile all members, adding that no one person is a sole leader, but all of them are leaders in various capacities and areas.

    “If you say the college of leaders is unconstitutional, or not in the party constitution, then where is it written that there should be a sole leader in the party,” Kayamo asked?

    Continuing, Keyamo reassured the party faithful of the preparedness of President Tinubu to stand by the party in the state and to support the party.

    “Two weeks ago, members of the College of leaders of the party met with the President at the Villa in Abuja, and he expressed his overwhelming support, especially on the reconciliation move been done by us, and he assured us of his support to the state APC.”

    He called on party faithful to go out and sensitise those who are yet to understand that only one man cannot be the sole leader of a party in the state so that they could come out of their slavery.

    “We will not succumb to the tricks of a betrayal again, and with the return of Chief Great Ogboru, the ranks of the opposition in the state are swelling.”

    The event, which attracted thousands of APC faithful and lovers of Chief Great Ogboru, also featured different goodwill messages from top APC members in the state.

    In his goodwill message, Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central Senatorial District and represented by Chief Abel Idigu said: ” I am delighted to welcome Chief Great Ogboru and his teeming supporters back to the APC as he has long been a voice of the opposition in the state, and called on party faithful to accord him all his respects.

    On her part, Executive Director of Nexim Bank and former National Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Stella Okotete, expressed her joy and happiness in welcoming back a man he described as a trailblazer.

    “Our father and brother did not leave the party but only walked out of it as a result of the betrayal by one man who worked against the party in 2019. We are happy that he is back, and this has made the APC stronger in the state.”

    Read Also: Senator Adeola targets 10,000 constituents for free health programme

    While thanking all party faithful, Ogboru who was accompanied by his wife and other supporters, appreciated the leadership prowess of the Minister and Okotete for ensuring that all aggrieved members of the party are reconciled.

    He thanked the state party chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie for his dogged efforts in ensuring that the APC in Delta State is stronger.

    Ogboru, who was excited, assured the party faithful of the preparedness of the party to take over the state from the grip of the PDP.

    Also in attendance were Prince Frank Uge, Chief James Agboranyen, Sir Richard Odibo, Alex Ideh, Prince Charles Abutu who represented former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Delta Central Chairman of the APC. Others include Rt. Hon. Halims Agoda, Ossai Abe Ossai, Hon. Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen and other party leaders.

    The high point of the ceremony was the official reception of Chief Great Ogboru by Olorogun Festus Keyamo and other party members

  • Keyamo rejects N532b contract variation for Abuja Airport runway

    Keyamo rejects N532b contract variation for Abuja Airport runway

    The Minister of Aviation and Aero Space Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday said the Ministry has rejected an outrageous contract variation from N90billion to N532billion to construct the Second Runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Keyamo disclosed this while answering questions from members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation and Aviation Technology during his 2025 budget defence session.

    He said a bidding process would be conducted to select a contractor to build the runway.

    Keyamo said: “After N3.4billion post contract consultancy fee paid to the contractor handling the project in May 2023,  N90billion was agreed to be for the whole contract out of which N30billion was released.

    “The contractor after receiving the N30billion and joined the Federal Capital Territory Administration to compensate some settlers on the affected land, left the site.

    “All efforts made thereafter to get the contractor back to site proved abortive on the grounds of unacceptable contract variation they demanded for.

    “The contractor in question is demanding for contract variation of N532billion from the original sum of N90billion for the execution of the contract.

    “To us in the Ministry, the said variation is nothing but fraud, leaving us with no option than to cancel the contract and call for fresh bids.”

    Members of the committee also asked the Minister why the N36billion owed workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways was not captured in the Ministry’s 2025 budget estimates.

    Responding, Keyamo said  payment of the N36billion has been shifted to the Ministry of Finance since the money is not meant for capital projects.

    “The affected pensioners would soon get their due from the Ministry of Finance and not from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. I met with leaders of the joint unions on this in November last year and they agreed to arrangement put on ground,” he said.

    He however disagreed with suggestion made by some members of the committee that the establishment of Aerospace University across the six geo-political zones should be discontinued since there is already one in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    According to him, as the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) was established in 1964, so also was the Nigeria Law School established in Lagos.

    “While the Nigerian Law School has been decentralized, the Aviation College in Zaria has not followed suit which the Aerospace Universities are meant to correct,” he said.

    On the N71.13billion proposed budgetary estimates for the ministry in 2025 Keyamo said N69.2billion is for capital projects, N1.147billion for personnel cost and N745.7million for overhead.

    However, Chairman of the joint committee, Sen Abdulfatai Buhari, told the Minister that approval would be given the budgetary proposal after submission of full details on the current status of 124 projects being executed by the Ministry.

    Read Also: Nigeria seeks realisation of $29tr African economy by 2050

    He said: “Historical background and current status of all the ongoing projects being executed by the ministry are needed as requested by this committee latest by next week before we can approve this budget.”

    The committee also threatened to withhold approval of the 2025 budget for the Ministry if provision is not made for the N36 billion owed to former workers of the defunct Nigerian Airways.

    Established in August 1958, Nigerian Airways was the nation’s flag carrier until it ceased operations in 2003 due to issues like mismanagement and accumulated debts. At its peak, the airline operated over 30 aircraft and employed hundreds of people.

    In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari, approved N22 billion as part payment of the N45 billion owed to the former employees. Despite this, a balance of N36 billion remained unpaid, leading to financial hardships and in some cases, the former aviation workers died while awaiting their entitlements.

    During the budget defence session, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government to consider the payment of entitlements to the ex-workers of the defunct Nigerian airways.

    The Senator representing Niger South, Peter Jiya, had called the  attention of the government to the non-payment of entitlements to ex-workers of the airline, many of whom he said have died or are currently battling financial hardship and ill health.

    Jiya said that justice must be done for those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation’s aviation sector.

    “There is an issue that is not in your budget, which is very key and critical. The defunct Nigerian Airways. There is a liability of N36 billion being owed,” he said.

    “Some have died, many are sick and dying. Yet, the government is refusing to pay them. I think something should be done on that,” Jiya added.

    He urged the lawmakers to ensure that provisions is made for the outstanding salaries in the 2025 budget of the aviation ministry before it will be approved.

    “This budget should not pass without those people being provided for,” he said.

    Keyamo in his response acknowledged the outstanding liability and confirmed that the ministry had consistently pursued its settlement.

    The Minister said that under the previous administration, discussions were held between aviation sector unions and the government which resulted in an official agreement that N36 billion was due to the workers.

    “Under the last administration, both the unions and the ministry sat down and arrived at that figure, about N36 billion,” he said.

    He stated that President Bola Tinubu had transferred the burden of the payment from the ministry of aviation to the ministry of finance.

     “However, there was a presidential directive for the ministry of finance to take over the payments, the liability from the ministry of aviation, because it would have been too much on the envelope of the ministry of aviation. The payment is domiciled in the ministry of finance.”

    The minister said he has sent several reminders to the minister of finance for the payment through letters and official visitations.

    “We have written several letters. We went there to visit, to press for payment. Myself and the union leaders, to show our transparency.

    “I went there with the union leaders in November to meet the minister. They were all satisfied with our efforts. All the union leaders, the joint union aviation leaders, we went there, we appealed to him. He said he is working hard on it. That was in November, just two months ago, sir.”

    Sen Sahabi Ya’u, questioned the minister of finance failure to release the outstanding payment to the former aviation workers.

    Ya’u emphasised the some of the former employees are in dire need, while others have already died without receiving their rightful entitlements

    “There was still an approval. You cannot say that he doesn’t have N36 billion. Some of these people are yearning for what to eat. Some are no more. Please, let’s be sympathetic to ourselves,”  Ya’u added.

    The Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation, Buhari, gave the minister of aviation one week to address lawmakers’ concerns regarding the outstanding payments owed to former aviation workers and other issues on ongoing projects in the ministry before the final budget will be considered and passed.

  • Senator Dafinone felicitates Keyamo on birthday

    Senator Dafinone felicitates Keyamo on birthday

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has felicitated Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, FCIArb (UK), on his birthday.

    The Delta Central lawmaker while eulogising Keyamo, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, in a statement, described him as shinning example of excellence, noting that his contributions to national development have inspired many young men.

    The statement reads: “Today, we celebrate not only the remarkable milestones you have achieved in your career but also your steadfast dedication to the progress and development of our great nation. Your unwavering commitment to service has distinguished you as a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless young Nigerians.

    “As a proud son of Delta State and a shining example of excellence, you have consistently demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and integrity in all your endeavors. From your remarkable career as a legal luminary to your current role in repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector, your passion for excellence remains evident. Your transformative ideas and bold initiatives continue to chart a new course for the growth and advancement of the nation’s aerospace industry.

    Read Also: Dafinone celebrates Senator Nwoko at 64

    “As you celebrate this special day, I pray for your continued wisdom, strength, and good health to carry on with the monumental work of shaping a brighter future for Nigeria. May your life remain a testament to the power of vision, diligence, and service.

    “On behalf of the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyous birthday celebration. May this new year usher in greater heights, renewed vigour, and abundant blessings for you and your family. Happy Birthday!”

  • Tinubu celebrates Keyamo at 55

    Tinubu celebrates Keyamo at 55

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on his 55th birthday.

    In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Keyamo’s unwavering dedication to the administration’s vision and his transformative efforts in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    The President commended Keyamo for his commitment to creating a safe, efficient, and customer-focused aviation system, emphasizing notable achievements over the past 15 months under his leadership. 

    Read Also: Tinubu to build a trillion dollar country, says minister

    These include the ratification of the Cape Town Convention for Aircraft Leasing, the operationalization of the National Flight Data Centre aimed at enhancing aviation safety, and the commencement of lectures at the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).

    Highlighting these milestones, Tinubu noted their significance in positioning Nigeria as a key player in global aviation while ensuring improved service delivery across the sector.

    As Keyamo celebrates his 55th birthday, Tinubu expressed confidence that the goodwill and commendations from family, friends, and stakeholders in the aviation industry would further motivate him to continue delivering excellence.

    The President wished the Minister many more years of good health, wisdom, and fulfillment in his service to the nation.

    Keyamo, a seasoned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has been instrumental in driving innovative reforms since his appointment as minister, garnering praise from various quarters for his visionary approach to aviation and aerospace development.

  • Our airlines reliable, safe, ready for global partnerships, Keyamo assures Lessors

    Our airlines reliable, safe, ready for global partnerships, Keyamo assures Lessors

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has dispelled myths surrounding the perceived risks attributed to Nigerian airlines by lessors, emphasising their reliability and commitment to international standards.

    Speaking at the Aviation Economics Conference in Dublin during the Aviation Working Group (AWG) panel session, Keyamo highlighted that numerous Nigerian airlines operate their fleets under Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreements without defaulting. This adherence to contractual obligations, he said, demonstrates the responsibility and viability of Nigerian carriers.

    According to him: “The risks perceived by the global community are not reflective of the reality in Africa and specifically Nigeria. Our airlines are able to meet their obligations under ACMI agreements, which include various financial responsibilities.

    “For instance, airlines such as Air Peace and Arik Air have successfully maintained their operations under these agreements, showcasing their competence and the robustness of our traveling population.”

    Read Also: Governors back Tax Reform Bills, seek adjustment to VAT

    Addressing the issue of insurance, Keyamo revealed ongoing discussions with local and international insurance stakeholders present at the conference.

    “We are working diligently to assess whether we can place insurance risks within the local Nigerian market or explore other options with regulators.

    “This conversation is crucial in untangling the challenges we face, including the issue of withholding tax, which currently imposes a higher rate on our airlines compared to their global counterparts.

    “For example, airlines in Nigeria face a 10% withholding tax, while many airlines in other regions operate under more favorable tax conditions.”

    Keyamo’s efforts are driven by the mandate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has emphasised the importance of positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global aviation sector. When discussing Nigeria’s potential as a West African aviation hub, Keyamo expressed optimism about the country’s strategic advantages.

    “We are naturally positioned to be the hub of Africa. While we acknowledge that we are late to the party compared to countries like Ethiopia and Angola, Nigeria’s population of over 200 million, ambition, and geographical location uniquely qualify us for this role. Our location allows us to connect equidistantly to all parts of the world, making it an ideal transit point for international travelers.”

    He further outlined an ambitious plan to concession airports and transform them into major hubs. “Most of the largest airports globally are managed through concessions rather than by governments. The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, supports these efforts, encouraging us to invite leading global players to manage and expand our airports. This strategy aims to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery, ultimately making our airports competitive on a global scale.”

    While Keyamo’s vision is promising, he acknowledges the challenges ahead. “We are aware of the obstacles we face, including outdated infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. However, we are committed to addressing these issues through collaboration with stakeholders and targeted reforms.”

    With a clear vision and commitment to overcoming existing challenges, Minister Keyamo is paving the way for Nigerian airlines to thrive on the global stage, reinforcing their role as reliable partners in the aviation industry. He invites investors and global partners to join in this transformative journey to elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector.

  • FG proposes policies to revive struggling indigenous Airlines

    FG proposes policies to revive struggling indigenous Airlines

    The federal government has unveiled strategies to support struggling indigenous airlines, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies to prevent their extinction.

    Speaking at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development Conference on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol Implementation in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stressed the importance of enabling frameworks to aid the survival of local carriers.

    Shettima said that before the adoption of the Cape Town Convention—a protocol simplifying aircraft leasing and acquisition—many Nigerian airlines faced near-collapse.

    He lamented the high mortality rate of domestic airlines in the past 40 years, which has seen many carriers go out of business. 

    The Vice President assured stakeholders that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment to support the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.

    He said: “It behoves on us now in office to find out why they went under and how we can ensure that it does not happen again. And the only way we can do that is by policy, policy policy policy policy policy frameworks to ensure that they survive. We can’t keep giving them money, then we must make the business conducive environment for them to survive.

    “One of the key elements that we recognize as a government is to ensure that we unlock the international markets on aircraft,  and at the heart of that is to ensure the full compliance  with the tenants of the Cape Town convention.”

    While commending local operators for their resilience, despite the excruciating business environment,  he affirmed that   the Cape Town Convention has proven to be a transformative legal framework, harmonizing diverse global legal systems to foster predictability and stability for aviation stakeholders.

    “For Nigeria, this Convention has not only enhanced our global standing but has also opened doors to increased investment and growth in aviation financing.  

    “The recently issued Federal High Court Practice Directions and Advisory Circular mark significant milestones in our journey to align with international best practices. These initiatives have streamlined legal processes, enhanced jurisdictional clarity, and improved Nigeria’s compliance index, positioning our nation among global leaders in aviation governance.”  

    Keyamo on his part noted: “When I came to office, and I saw this situation on the ground with our aviation sector, with our local operators. For the first time in the history of aviation sector, we put it as a focal point to support the growth and development of our local operators having realize that the Nigerian state system is unique and different from others.”

    On the way forward, challenges and opportunities, the minister said while “we have made commendable progress, challenges such as ensuring consistent judicial interpretations and aligning local laws with international standards remain. 

    “However, these challenges present opportunities for further innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building within our aviation sector.  

    “This conference is a call to action for all stakeholders to engage, deliberate, and contribute to shaping a dynamic, sustainable, and globally competitive aviation industry in Nigeria.”  

    The Minister appealed to the Nigerian Custom Service and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), to collaborate with the NCAA to ensure Nigeria is not found wanting in the implementation of the convention.

    “We want to appeal to the Custom to see how they can play a role in achieving this objective. We’re going to sit down with you at another forum,Please work closely with the NCAA because it is about the image of the country, it’s not about sectorial battles that has frustrated us in the past, the Customs will seize the aircraft and say it is  about export. 

    “They will require the owner to come and fulfill some conditions . Come and fulfill that for the  next three months, we’re not able to take out the aircraft when we have done our part. We want them to key into that convention, to also work within our time limit. We also appeal to the EFCC. We have one or two problems on the ground now with the EFCC.”

    He added: “As we continue this transformative journey, I reiterate the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant aviation ecosystem. I thank all participants for their contributions and urge us all to leverage this conference as a springboard for sustained progress.”  

    On his part, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo said the Cape Town Convention aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu’ agenda, which has offer a pathway to modernizing the country aviation sector and ensuring its contribution to Nigeria’s prosperity. 

    He said:  “As you are all aware, Nigeria’s aviation sector holds great potential for driving economic transformation, connecting communities, and promoting regional integration. The benefits of these efforts are already evident. Nigeria’s improved ranking on the Aviation Working Group’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index is a testament to our progress.” 

    He outlined the objectives of the convention to include streamlining aircraft transactions and facilitates assets based financing,  simplifies the process of buying, selling, and leasing aircraft on an international scale. 

    “By protecting creditors’ rights and ensuring the enforceability of interests in mobile equipment, the Convention encourages investment and reduces the cost of financing.

    “It also improves legal consistency and International Registry: The Convention establishes a centralized electronic registry for registering interests, offering transparency and public notice. It also harmonizes the treatment of security interests across participating nations, further ensuring repossession and recovery rights for lessors and lenders in case of defaults.”

    He said it  aligns with  national regulations with global best practices, supporting the aviation industry’s growth and stability. fostering confidence among international investors and financiers.”

    Stakeholders at the event commended the minister and the NCAA DG for their foresight.